All sixty-six books of the Bible are the inspired and infallible Word of God.

All Scripture stands firm until the end of time including the Old Testament teachings. Many pastors and Christians erroneously teach and believe because we are under the new covenant the Old Testament no longer applies.Jesus Christ did indeed fulfill the sacrificial and some ceremonial codes of the Old Testament, but the judicial-moral code still applies. Hebrews 13:8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Jesus Christ is “the Word” and His Word is the absolute truth. This truth is foundational to all other doctrinal beliefs of Christianity.

“AllScripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV).

“And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” Revelation 22:19

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Matthew 5:17-18

His Word is as relevant today as when it was written. God’s nature and character do NOT change and His Word is no different. You cannot pick and choose those Scriptures which allow you to live the way you want because it is socially accepted or politically correct in today’s culture. The truth of God’s word has been twisted and perverted because many churches have embraced the worldview in many of their teachings. They have exchanged the truth of God’s Word with a lie.

Many Christians are being deceived because they do not read, study and apply the Word of God for themselves. The latest statistics show only 13% of born again Christians believe the Bible is absolute truth. Is it any wonder the church is not influencing the culture and the worldview has infected the church?Why is this happening? The answer is Christians are not committed to the knowledge of God’s Word, and as a result, many are spiritually deceived. Many born-again Christians do NOT believe God’s infallible Word is the absolute truth! They have bought the lies of Satan through embracing the worldview. I have intentionally included Scripture for every Belief in my Statement of Faith for this reason.The more controversial my statement the more scriptures I have included.

I believe with all my heart the most important thing we can do as the body of Christ is to present the whole gospel, not just what is pleasant or popular to hear. This is one of the reasons the apostate church is flourishing all across America. Apostasy is a revolt or rebellion against God or departure from His teachings. Following are four (4) key points to keep in mind when you read Scripture:

1.You cannot ignore the "Ifs,"“And,” or "Buts" in Scripture; they are powerful words because it makes what is said conditional!

2.Taking Scripture out of context and not looking at what precedes the passage being used in the Scripture.

a.An example of what I mean by this is a Scripture which is well known and used all the time. “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” This is not the whole Scripture. The entire Scriptures says, To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32. The part of Scripture which reveals the truth that sets free rests on the condition that If You hold onto Jesus’ teaching, you are really his disciple. It is only then that you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

3.The biggest mistake in using Scripture is selecting those passages that most fit with what a person already believes. We should study the "whole counsel of God," not ignoring or twisting or interpreting away those passages that challenge our position.

4.Many people believe the Old Testament is no longer applicable because we are under the new covenant. Before anyone says we are under the new covenant and this no longer applies to the church today, they should be reminded that one third of the prophecy given in the Old Testament has not yet been fulfilled. All sixty-six books of the Bible are the inspired Word of God, and it is critical we teach and heed the whole Word of God and not just the New Testament teachings.

The Godhead (Trinity) is the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three persons. They are all co-equal and co-eternal.

“This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the spirit who bears witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” 1 John 5:6-7 (NKJV)

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

There is only one true living God.

“I am the god of Abraham, the god of Isaac, and the god of Jacob. He is not the god of the dead but of the living.” Matthew 22:32 (NIV)

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8 (NIV)

This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and redeemer, the Lord Almighty: “I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no god.” Isaiah 44:6 (NIV)

Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin MaryThis is how the birth of JesusChrist came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” which means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 (NIV).In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You are right in saying I am.” Luke 22:70

“I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."John 1:34

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31

Jesus was born and came into the world to testify to the Truth.

Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?" "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?" Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." John 18:33-38 (NIV)

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17 (NIV)

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NIV)

Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.

“And we have seen and testify that the father has sent his son to be the Savior of the world.” 1 John 4:14 (NIV).

“They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” John 4:42 (NIV).

“To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” Jude 1:25

Jesus Christ redeemed us by shedding His precious blood by His crucifixion on the cross for our sins.

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:28

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:54

“God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—“ Romans 3:14-16

“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:22-26 (NIV)

Christians have hope in eternal life because Jesus Christ overcame and conquered death.

“But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he "has put everything under his feet."Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.” 1 Corinthians 15:12-28

"I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues?Where, O grave, is your destruction?” Hosea 13:14 (NIV)

“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2 Timothy 1:8-10 (NIV)

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spiritof holiness was declared with power to be the Son of Godby his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 1:1-3

Jesus Christ is the great High Priest who forgives our sins and sits at the right hand of our Heavenly Father in Heaven.

”Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens ,Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

“Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds."Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:11-22 (NIV)

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." John 1:9

”My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:7

Belief in Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to be saved and have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Jesus answered, "I am the way the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me." John 14:6

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 6:23

“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3 (NIV)

“Then know this, you and all the people of Israe: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is "‘The stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone . Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:10-12 (NIV)

Salvation is a gift of God’s grace and mercy. It cannot be bought or earned.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.“ Ephesians 2:8-9

“For the wages of sin is death, but thegift of God iseternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, wemight become heirs having thehope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7 (NIV).

You must receive the gift of salvation by confessing with your mouthANDbelieving in your heart that Jesus Christ is God’s son whom was raised from the dead and you accept Him as your Lord and Savior.

“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)

Believers are to be baptized by water as a public testimony to what has happened inwardly as a result of accepting the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a clear commitment to turn from the old life (stop sinning-repentance) to behold the new life.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

“We were therefore buried with himthrough baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4 (NIV)

“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.” 1 Peter 3:18-24 (NIV)

Believers are to celebrate the Lord’s Last Supper (Communion) because we are commanded to. Participation in this celebration should not be entered into lightly. We are remembering and giving honor and thanksgiving for Jesus dying for our sins. Every believer must search their own heart for any areas of unconfessed sin or unforgiveness before they partake in communion.

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 (NIV)

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins." Matthew 26:26-28

He (Jesus) said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for, I tell you, I shall not eat it (again) until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, "Take this and share it among yourselves; for I tell you (that) from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me." And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you." Luke 22:15-20

"This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:24-26

"This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me." Luke 22:19

Believers must pray, give and fast because Jesus did all three during His earthly ministry and expected His disciples to after His departure. As stated in Luke 6:40, “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” These Scriptures do not say if you pray, give, or fast, they state when you pray, give, or fast. Many churches know to pray and give, but not many fast.

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "This, then, is how you should pray:'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:5-15

"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:2-4

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18

”Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” Matthew 9:14-15

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.” Luke 4:1-2 (NIV)

Believers must pray and expect to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is available to all believers to empower ministry for Christ and which is evidenced by the gifts of the Spirit.

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Matthew 3:11-12 (NKJV)

“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said,"you have heard from Me; "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Acts 1:4-5 (NKJV)

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV)

"The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ; He is Lord of all; "that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. "And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. "Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly,"not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. "And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. "To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins."While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.” Acts 10:36-48 (NKJV).

"And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. {16} "Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said,'John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' "If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?" Acts 11:15-17 (NKJV)

All believers have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at the moment they are saved.They must pray and seek to receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit which includes:

The seven (7) Motivational Gifts given by the Father and administered by the Indwelling Spirit.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.If a man's gift isprophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing (giving) to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)

1.Prophecy

2.Serving

3.Teaching

4.Encouraging

5.Giving

6.Leading

7.Mercy

The nine (9) Ministry Gifts (charisma) given through the Holy Spirit.

“To one there is given through the spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same spirit, to another faith by the same spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues." 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NIV)1.Word of Wisdom

2.Word of Knowledge

3.Faith

4.Healing

5.Miracles

6.Prophecy

7.Discerning Spirits

8.Tongues

9.Interpretation of Tongues

The five fold ministry of Jesus Christ. This ministry is comprised of the five (5) leadership gifts given by Jesus to the church to equip God’s people to do the work of ministry.

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12 (KJV)

1.Apostle

2.Prophet

3.Evangelist

4.Pastor

5.Teacher

THERE IS A HIGH COST TO BEING A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST. Once a person becomes saved it is the first step in a lifelong transformation of becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is imperative new believers become connected to a Bible believing, spirit-filled church for further discipleship.

“Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” John 15:20 (NIV).

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his lifewill lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." Matthew 16:24-28

“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Luke 9:23-24 (NLT)

"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:37-39 (NIV)

Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. "What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom." "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them."Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father." Matthew 20:20-23 (NIV)

IT IS POSSIBLE TO LOSE YOUR SALVATION BY WALKING, FALLING OR DRIFTING AWAY, BEING DECEIVED, REJECTING WHAT IS REQUIRED IN THE SCRIPTURES AND PURPOSELY NOT OBEYING GOD’S WORD AND LIVING A LIFE WHICH IS NOT PLEASING TO GOD. WE MUST OVERCOME AND ENDURE OUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST UNTIL THEN END. Answer this one question the Holy Spirit asked me to pose?If you accept the mark of the beast talked about in the book of Revelation even though you have professed with your mouth the sinners prayer and have been saved, why then does Scripture say you will burn in hell? What happened to the position of once saved, always saved?This is what the Scripture says in the book of Revelation. This is written to believers (God’s Holy people).Then a third angel followed them, shouting, “Anyone who worships the beast and his statue or who accepts his mark on the forehead or on the hand must drink the wine of God’s anger. It has been poured full strength into God’s cup of wrath. And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb.The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name.” This means that God’s holy peoplemust endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands andmaintaining their faith in Jesus.Revelation 14:9-12 (NLT)

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)

Believers must work out their salvation until the end of either their life or Jesus’ second return to inherit eternal life. I did NOT say to RECEIVE your salvation. You must know God’s Word for yourselves so you are not deceived by Satan and false teachers. Where you spend eternity depends on it! The bulk of my second book is full of Scripture substantiating this position because it is the greatest deception leading more people to the gates of hell than any other false teaching in the body of Christ.

Go in through the narrow gate, because the gate to hell is wide and the road that leads to it is easy, and there are many who travel it.But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it. Matthew 7:13-14 (TEV)

Jesus knew there would be false teachers in the church, (especially during the end times) who would lead His sheep astray. The apostate church is flourishing in churches all across America.

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NIV)

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.”Matthew 23:13-15

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” 2 Peter 2:1-3

Keeping your salvation involves a three (3) fold process:

1.Obey and be “doers of the Word” until the end.2.Live a holy life according to God’s precepts. You cannot keep sinning and abusing God’s grace and mercy. 3.Endure, persevere and overcome persecution to the end.

”Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:3-4 (NLT)

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!” Romans 6:15 (NIV)

“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, IF they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.” Hebrews 6:4-6

“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ IF we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.” Hebrews 3:12-14

“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-31

If your salvation is secure, why does God’s Word say in the scripture below your name can be blotted out from the book of life?

“He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. Revelation 3:5

If your position is secure, how can you fall away from it as indicated in the scripture below?

“Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.” 2 Peter 3:17

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen;repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’ Revelations 2:5-10 (NKJV)

“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, IF they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.” Hebrews 6:4-6

“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ IF we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.” Hebrews 3:12-14

“Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality, Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God. And such some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-15 (AMP)

Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He replied, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’ “There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you will be thrown out.” Luke 13:23-28 (NLT)

“Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.” Philippians 2:12 (NLT)

“See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. IFit does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.” 1 John 2:24 “But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, IFwe hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.” Hebrews 3:6

It is the Lord’s desire not to lose one of His sheep and He will never forsake his faithful ones. But this does not mean you will not forsake Him.

“If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever.” Psalm 37:23-28

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3-11 (NIV).

The church (body of Christ) will be caught up or gathered together (raptured) BEFORE Jesus returns to rule during the millennium reign in the New Jerusalem on earth. It will be during this time the marriage supper will take place in Heaven for believers. The church will be in Heaven before we return to reign with Christ.

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens. I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My Word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour or trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly!Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”Revelation 3:7-13 (NKJV)

"Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:36 (NIV)

“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words”. 1 Thessalonians 4:12-18 (NIV)

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:3 (NIV)“Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen” Revelation 1:7 (NIV)

“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 (NKJV)

“Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!” Romans 5:9 (NIV)

”Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessnessis revealed, the man doomed to destruction.He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

BELIEVERS AND UNBELIEVERS WILL FACE JUDGMENT.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV)

"Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” John 5:28-29 (NIV)

“But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile.” Romans 2:5-10 (NLT)

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” Revelation 20:12 (NIV)

“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15 (NIV)

“All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power.” 2 Thessalonians 1:5-9 (NIV)

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.” Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell,putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.” 2 Peter 2:1-10

JESUS CHRIST WILL RETURN AND REIGN WITH ALL HIS SAINTS FOR ONE THOUSAND YEARS IN THE NEW JERSUSALEM ON EARTH.

“I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:4-6 (NIV)

“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” 1 Corinthians 15:22-25 (NIV)

“Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:27-28

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' " Mark 13:22-27

The following Scripture is a description of the actual millennium reign of Christ in New Jerusalem here on earth. It will be a time of no more sorrow and will be glorious! We must never give up—we must finish the race and live driven by Eternity….

“I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more."Never again will there be in itan infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; he who dies at a hundredwill be thought a mere youth; he who fails to reach] a hundredwill be considered accursed.They will build houses and dwell in them;they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree,so will be the days of my people;my chosen ones will long enjoythe works of their hands. They will not toil in vain or bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the LORD, they and their descendants with them.Before they call I will answer;while they are still speaking I will hear.The wolf and the lamb will feed together,and the lion will eat straw like the ox,but dust will be the serpent's food. They will neither harm nor destroyon all my holy mountain," says the LORD. Isaiah 65:19-25 (NIV)